Imagine being far out at sea, and suddenly there is a huge crash, and a 40-ton blue whale breaches right in front of you with a huge splash. This is not an uncommon experience on a local whale-watching trip, and it is one you will not forget.
The Boston area has a strong historic connection with whaling. In the 19th century, the town of New Bedford was the biggest whaling port in the world. At one time, 329 sailing ships called New Bedford home. As a result, the town became one of the wealthiest towns in the country. Herman Melville shipped out aboard the whale ship Acushnet in 1841. This was the inspiration for his book, "Moby-Dick.”.
Today, the Boston area is one of the top ten whale-watching spots in the world. On a local whale-watching trip, you’ll head out roughly 25 miles off the coast to Stellwagen Bank, one of the most productive marine areas. A typical trip takes about 3.5–4 hours . Many boats have professional naturalists on board, and sightings are often guaranteed. Light snacks and a cash bar are generally available.
Whale-watching charters typically run from April to October. In the summer months, a jacket, sweater, or hoodie is recommended. In April and October, take a winter coat, a hat, and maybe gloves. Don’t forget a camera or smartphone, sunscreen, sunglasses, and possibly binoculars.
7 SEAS WHALE WATCH, ![]() Company Quote: ...Since 1983 we've had the privilege of introducing thousands of people to the whales and marine wildlife living and feeding directly off the coast of Massachusetts. We take great pride in our reputation for providing the best overall whale watching experience in New England. Whale watching is a nature trip in the truest sense of that phrase. The whales and marine wildlife that we see are not caged or trained to perform in any way. These are wild, and often very endangered animals that are free do as they please. We feel it is a privilege to be able to visit with these animals in their natural environment and we respect and protect that privilege by being as unobtrusive as we can.
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BOSTON HARBOR CRUISES, ![]() Company Quote: ...Embark on a whale watch with Boston Harbor Cruises. These boats set sail for the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a haven for dolphins, whales, and other diverse marine life. You'll have a good chance to view several different species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales! At the same time, all your questions will be answered by New England Aquarium Naturalists, who are always on board. Not to mention, these boats are fast, spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned, and include an indoor snack bar! More sightseeing cruise options include historical sightseeing cruise, Charles River and Locks tour, USS "Constitution" cruises; sunset cruise, and lighthouse tours. Fast ferry service to Cape Cod, as well!
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CAPE ANN CRUISES LLC, ![]() Company Quote: ...With a suitcase of songs, Maine folk troubadour Dan Blakeslee ventured into the smoke laden subways of Boston in 1995 to practice his craft. His songs of true life adventures combine the essence of early folk music with a dose of country grit. He has toured the U.S. and performed with Josh Ritter, Sean Rowe, David Wax Museum, Lydia Loveless, The Lumineers, Old 97's, The Black Lillies, Liam Finn and Kimya Dawson among others. In 2015 his dream of playing Newport Folk Festival became a reality, the location where Bob Dylan went electric 50 years earlier. Dan Blakeslee delivers his songs with that same heart of a young, lyric scribbling troubadour, who knows because he's tried it, can out sing a passing train.
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CAPE ANN WHALE WATCH, ![]() Company Quote: ...Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester provides guaranteed whale sightings for every whale watching tour out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve about 12 miles off the coast of Gloucester deemed one of the "Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations in the World" by the World Wildlife Fund. The reason it's such a top destination is due to the wide variety of whale species that migrate to these waters every year to feed on the abundant natural resources. We provide an awe-inspiring experience of whale watching which every human being should have the opportunity to appreciate and we make it a very special!
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CAPT'N TIM BRADY & SONS, ![]() Company Quote: ...With Capt. Tim Brady and Sons Whale watching, you're in for a unique experience. Set sail on the Mary Elizabeth, the perfect boat for an unforgettable, water level view whale watch charter. We offer the rare combination of "big boat safety" and "small boat intimacy" for your family and friends. Leaving from Plymouth we head directly for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and an encounter with Humpback, Fin and Minke whales, Atlantic white sided dolphins, sea turtles, Storm petrels, and potentially dozens of other deep sea creatures. Capt. Tim Brady & Sons also offers deep sea fishing charters, sports fishing charters, specialty cruises, and Stellwagen Bank Cod Charters.
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CAPT. BILL & SONS WHALE WATCH, ![]() Company Quote: ...Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, a whale watch with Capt. Bill's is guaranteed to be an experience you'll never forget! Sail our 3 1/2- 4 hour tour to the feeding grounds of Stellwagen Bank or Jeffery's ledge to see some of the world's largest and majestic mammals, including Humpback whales, Fin whales, and Minke whales. Accompanying you onboard will be naturalists from the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, who will provide spotting tips and fun facts to enrich your mind, like facts about whale biology, social habits, and behavior. Head home from this experience a true whale guru!
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CAPTAIN JOHN BOATS, ![]() Company Quote: ...It's time to turn in your landlubber card. Based in Plymouth, Captain John Whale Watching & Fishing Tours offer a variety of ways to explore the Atlantic. Whale watching tours led by knowledgeable naturalists depart from Plymouth and Provincetown, giving you an experience that's educational, exciting, and exhilarating (sightings guaranteed or free pass to come back again!). Keep your eyes peeled for Humback whales, Finback whales, Pilot whales, Minke whales, and endangered Right whales. We've also been fishing the waters of New England for 60+ years - join us for deep sea fishing of cod, haddock, mackeral and more in Stellwagen Bank or Cape Cod Bay. Harbor and sunset cruises, and fast ferry service to Provincetown, too!
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CENTER FOR COASTAL STUDIES, ![]() Company Quote: ...The Center for Coastal Studies has been providing award winning marine education programs since 1976. Visit our new exhibition hall to learn about the life of a very special humpback whale named Spinnaker! The remains of the humpback whale Spinnaker are on display at the center. The 11-year-old, 35 foot long humpback whale was named for the pattern on the underside of her tail; one straight and one curved line that together resembled a spinnaker sail.
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CONSTITUTION YACHT CHARTERS, ![]() Company Quote: ...At Constitution Yacht Charters, we work for you, not the boat company. With more than 40 charter boats to choose from, selecting the right vessel for your private event can be a difficult task. Our Boston Harbor Charter Brokers are specialists who make it easy for you to charter a vessel of any description. Whether you are planning a sunset cruise, an afternoon adventure, corporate event, bachelorette, wedding, even a fishing trip, or an extended cruise here in Boston, we can assist you!
We'll help you find the right boat at the right price. Constitution Yacht Charters works for you, not the boat companies. With over 50 years of experience on Boston Harbor, we can help you pick the charter boat that's right for you - at the best available price. So, take a look and contact us today. We will save you time and money - and help you create a memory of a lifetime. We are always adding more vessels. Please contact us for more information.
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DOLPHIN FLEET WHALE WATCH, ![]() Company Quote: ...Dolphin Fleet Whale Watches are unique. Unlike many other whale watches, our trips offers a wide spectrum of educational tools that go beyond the "average whale watch". All trips are designed to enhance our awareness of whales, other marine life and the marine habitat that surrounds us. Our goal is to have each passenger depart our vessels with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the wealth of life it supports. This page will depict some of the activities we bring to a voyage aboard our vessel. We make each trip fun and educational for passengers of all ages.
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HYANNIS WHALE WATCHER CRUISES, ![]() Company Quote: ...Early season whale watching means lighter crowds and the opportunity for some very special sightings. Winter visitors like harbor porpoise and the critically endangered North Atlantic Right whale are commonly observed early in the season. Humpback, finback, and minke whales return hungry to begin their summer feeding seasons. Venture out with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises for a unique experience and memories you'll carry for a lifetime.
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MASS AUDUBON FELIX NECK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, ![]() Company Quote: ...Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is a place for everyone, protecting the habitats, wildlife, and spectacular views for which Martha's Vineyard is renowned. Four miles of trails meander through woodlands, meadows, ponds, salt marsh, and along shorelines allow for exploration, discovery, and quiet contemplation.
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MASS AUDUBON JOPPA FLATS EDUCATION CENTER AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, ![]() Company Quote: ...Overlooking the Merrimack River and near the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the Joppa Flats Education Center offers unique educational opportunities for people of all ages. Here, you can explore the region's wildlife-rich habitats (salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal waters) through guided tours, marine touch tanks, art exhibits, drop-in programs, and interpretive displays.
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MASS AUDUBON LONG PASTURE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, ![]() Company Quote: ...Sandy beaches, butterfly-filled meadows, woodland trails, and farm animals combine to make Long Pasture a unique experience on Cape Cod. Gentle, varied trails lead to what some have called a "million dollar view," with Barnstable Harbor flanked by the dunes of Sandy Neck Barrier Beach. Explore our expansive tidal flats and join us for a kayak tour, boat cruise, or family nature program.
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MASS AUDUBON WELLFLEET BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, ![]() Company Quote: ...Wellfleet Bay provides peace and unmatched beauty on the hillsides and shoreline overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. Extensive trails bring you to a panoramic salt marsh, sandy barrier beach, and pine woodlands, each attracting a wide array of wildlife. The sanctuary features a universally accessible trail and an award-winning "green" nature center with numerous exhibits and aquariums.
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MONOMOY ISLAND EXCURSION, ![]() Company Quote: ...Depart Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port aboard our catamaran. Tour scenic Wychmere Harbor, learn about the marine activities and history. Ride though Nantucket Sound to the mouth of Stage Harbor in Chatham and observe Morris Island see the seals, sand dunes and 3 lighthouses. Learn about the fish weirs and see osprey tending there nest. Every trip is filled with adventure when you come with us to Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge with our trained guide aboard the Perserverance. 1 hr 30 min tour. $36 adults $30 child. Group tours available
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NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM, ![]() Company Quote: ...Meet marine species from around the world! Experience New England's largest shark and ray touch tank. Spiral up the 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank to see tropical fish, sea turtles and sharks. Watch fur seals and sea lions frolic in their waterfront exhibit, and catch a 3D IMAX film on New England's largest screen (additional charge).
Photo Credit: Michael Casey
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NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM WHALE WATCH, ![]() Company Quote: ...Want to see where we keep the really big animals? Join us for an incredible whale watching experience and come aboard the Voyager III for Boston's best whale watch! Enjoy the view as our high-speed catamaran whisks you to the whale feeding grounds just 30 miles east of Boston. Our destination is Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. Our marine biologists point out the sights along the way and tell you all about these magnificent creatures while you get a front-row view of the action. Whale watches end in late October, so catch this amazing experience while you can!
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NEWBURYPORT WHALE WATCH, ![]() Company Quote: ...This whale watching journey takes passengers from Newburyport, down the Merrimack River into the Gulf of Maine where you can feast your eyes on a variety of whales as well as porpoises, seals, sharks, and an array of sea birds. Accompanied by expert naturalists, they will share with you their knowledge on the creatures you encounter and their marine environment. Enjoy this unforgettable experience, and leave knowing that you're being kind to the whales as well. Newburyport Whale Watch is a member of Whale SENSE, a program of responsible whale-watching that takes into account the well-being of the whales being spotted in addition to the passengers doing the spotting. Additional activities with Newburyport Whale Watch include birding cruises, lighthouse explorations, dinner and dancing cruises, special fireworks events and our trips to the Isles of Shoals!
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NOAA/STELLWAGEN BANK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY, ![]() Company Quote: ...Stellwagen Bank is the central geographic feature of an 842-square-mile open ocean National Marine Sanctuary, the only such site in New England. The area is rated one of the world's premier whale watching destinations and has a long history as a productive fishing ground. Visitors can access the sanctuary as ticketed passengers on a whale watch boat, as a participant on a charter or party fishing boat, or via private boat. Headquarters offices are located in Scituate; exhibits at Maritime Gloucester, New England Aquarium, Provincetown's MacMillan Wharf, and Cape Cod National Seashore. The sanctuary is administered under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In 2022 the sanctuary celebrates its 30th anniversary. Watch for special events commemorating this event.
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SEASALT CHARTERS, ![]() Company Quote: ...SeaSalt Charters is the latest Cape Cod seagoing adventure with the Avellar family, founders of the Dolphin Fleet and whale watching in New England and on the East Coast. SeaSalt Charters provides a unique opportunity to explore the whales' feeding and nursing grounds of Stellwagen Bank on a private, comfortable boat with just you, your family and friends. Operated by the some of the most experienced, licensed whale watch Captains in the world, you are assured of a memorable and meaningful experience. SeaSalt Charters adheres to NOAA Northeast whale watching guidelines and is an active participant to the whale sense program.
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SHEARWATER EXCURSIONS, INC., ![]() Company Quote: ...Shearwater Excursions is a family run Eco- Tour and Whale Watch company on Nantucket Island. We offer visitors the opportunity to explore the many ecosystems in and around the shores of Nantucket, as well as the vast domain of the great whales offshore. Our company has close ties with many research organizations which ensures our passengers are provided with exceptionally educational and well-narrated tours.
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